OpenClaw is an open-source autonomous AI assistant platform that runs locally on user hardware and integrates with popular messaging applications. Originally released in late 2025 under the name Clawdbot, the project was briefly rebranded as Moltbot before settling on the name OpenClaw in early 2026. It enables users to interact with AI models through interfaces like WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, and more, allowing the assistant to carry out tasks ranging from calendar management and email handling to automated scripting and workflow execution based on user instructions.

Unlike typical cloud-hosted AI services, OpenClaw emphasizes privacy and control by running on the user’s own machine, giving users choice over infrastructure and data. Its extensible design supports a wide range of integrations and skills, which automates interactions with external tools and services. This flexibility has contributed to its rapid adoption and widespread discussion within the AI community, with media coverage highlighting both its capabilities and associated security considerations.